Zimbabwe students continue to excel at Cambridge International examinations

Zimbabwe students continue to excel at Cambridge International examinations

29 May 2019

Top-performing students from across Zimbabwe received Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards at a ceremony in Harare on Thursday 23 May.

Ninety-nine students in Zimbabwe received 122 prestigious awards from Cambridge Assessment International Education to acknowledge their outstanding performance in the June and November 2018 Cambridge examination series. The awards covered various subjects taken in Cambridge IGCSEs, Cambridge O Levels and Cambridge International AS & A Levels.

As well as schools, students, parents and representatives from Cambridge International, the event was graced by the Honourable Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Paul Mavima; Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Harare, Simon Thomas; Professor of ZIMSEC, Eddie Mwenje and guest speaker Tim Middleton, CEO, Association of Trust Schools.

Minister Mavima said: 'There is no development without a proper, fit for purpose education. We want to continue to excel and be among the best in the world. We want to prepare these learners for the fourth industrial revolution. My ministry has a clear focus for multi literacy, multi-tasking, lifelong learning and a competence based education that produces learners with superior critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, effective communication and team building skills. We therefore thank Cambridge International for complementing our efforts towards this cause.'

The awards recognise exceptional learner achievement in Cambridge examinations around the world in over 40 countries. Their primary purpose is to celebrate and recognise the success of high-performing Cambridge learners.

What the winners said:

Busani Ndlovu from Christian Brothers College, who received a Top in Zimbabwe award in Cambridge International AS Level History in the November 2018 examination series, said: 'I feel really great! I got to make my parents proud. I advise other learners to always keep pushing their goals and work hard to achieve them. I intend to study law and a programme in humanitarian work so as to help wherever I can.'

Gochero Waraidzo from Knowstics Academy, who received a Top in Zimbabwe award in Cambridge O Level Religious Studies (Bible Knowledge) in the November 2018 examination series, said: 'I am proud of myself to see that I can do greater things like receiving this award. The Cambridge programme was excellent. To prepare for my exams I had to read my bible many times and consult with my teachers. I also interacted with past exam papers and did group discussions with other learners. I am planning on going to university to study Medicine.'

Dayen-Leigh Pavlou from Hellenic Academy, who received a High Achievement award in Cambridge IGCSE Music in the November 2018 examination series, said: 'Learning through Cambridge was a life-changing experience. Music involves different aspects in the subject; I found practising my instruments and listening to music and composers helped a lot in my preparation. No matter how stressful or difficult it gets, working your hardest to your ability gets you far. I am planning on going to university to study Architectural Engineering.'